LuckyFella
Rough_Rock
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2008
- Messages
- 1
Hello Everyone!
I'm new to this forum, having started my engagement ring search only recently. Based on some recommendations, I started out fairly uneducated at Bluenile, visited some local jewelers, then discovered PS. It's been a terrific resource!
I started out at Bluenile, but was a little uncomfortable spending that much money, sight-unseen, from what I equate to a big box store. I also didn't like their choices in settings very much.
Next, I went to a local jeweler that carried a fair selection of stones, all graded by GIA as EX/EX/EX for cut, symmetry, and polish. The sales lady took great care to educate me about the differences between stones. She was great and I felt comfortable buying from them because of the relationship we established. However, she didn't offer any detailed analysis on any of the stones beyond what was in the grading report. She acknowledged that cut is very important, but said that all their stones are "ideal". Their prices were competitive with BN, if not slightly more, but I was also unimpressed with their options for settings.
This past weekend, I went to Tiffany & Co, primarily because I know my GF has an affinity for their classing 6 prong solitaire setting. I've never seen an unattractive ring from Tiffany, but I've seen many from elsewhere. After comparing several different diamonds in the store, I settled on the following:
1.36 H VS2
Cut/Symmetry/Polish all Excellent
Medium Blue Fluorescence
Table: 56%
Depth: 61%
Crown: 34.3 degrees
Pavillion: 40.8 degrees
Medium Girdle, Faceted
HCA Score: 1.1 EX/EX/EX/VG
The stone was beautiful in person -- my reservation is that since I've looked at relatively few diamonds, I simply don't know any better!
For comparison purposes, I found a 1.42ct G VS2 Round H&A (http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3962/) at GOG for significantly less than the ring at Tiffany. After including the replica setting from Excel, it's still going to be ~ 25% cheaper than at Tiffany, not accounting for the larger carat weight and better color. Is it possible to assign a dollar value to the Tiffany setting? It looks far superior to any replica settings I've seen in person. I do like the idea of seeing what I'm purchasing, and taking it home at the point of sale.
My questions:
1) Should I be concerned about the medium blue fluorescence?
2) My GF has a small ring size (4.25), should I be concerned about having Tiffany resize it down from their standard 6?
3) Is the GOG diamond going to be of significantly better make than the Tiffany, based on the information I provided?
4) Should I bother taking it to an independent appraiser?
As much as my girlfriend won't outright admit it, I know she'll be some degree happier with a ring from Tiffany. I also know that she doesn't want to go too much bigger than 1.4ct or 1.5ct. The price is within my budget, though I don't mind spending less money!
I guess I'm trying to rationalize spending the extra money for the Tiffany ring... I appreciate any responses!
Thanks!
I'm new to this forum, having started my engagement ring search only recently. Based on some recommendations, I started out fairly uneducated at Bluenile, visited some local jewelers, then discovered PS. It's been a terrific resource!
I started out at Bluenile, but was a little uncomfortable spending that much money, sight-unseen, from what I equate to a big box store. I also didn't like their choices in settings very much.
Next, I went to a local jeweler that carried a fair selection of stones, all graded by GIA as EX/EX/EX for cut, symmetry, and polish. The sales lady took great care to educate me about the differences between stones. She was great and I felt comfortable buying from them because of the relationship we established. However, she didn't offer any detailed analysis on any of the stones beyond what was in the grading report. She acknowledged that cut is very important, but said that all their stones are "ideal". Their prices were competitive with BN, if not slightly more, but I was also unimpressed with their options for settings.
This past weekend, I went to Tiffany & Co, primarily because I know my GF has an affinity for their classing 6 prong solitaire setting. I've never seen an unattractive ring from Tiffany, but I've seen many from elsewhere. After comparing several different diamonds in the store, I settled on the following:
1.36 H VS2
Cut/Symmetry/Polish all Excellent
Medium Blue Fluorescence
Table: 56%
Depth: 61%
Crown: 34.3 degrees
Pavillion: 40.8 degrees
Medium Girdle, Faceted
HCA Score: 1.1 EX/EX/EX/VG
The stone was beautiful in person -- my reservation is that since I've looked at relatively few diamonds, I simply don't know any better!
For comparison purposes, I found a 1.42ct G VS2 Round H&A (http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3962/) at GOG for significantly less than the ring at Tiffany. After including the replica setting from Excel, it's still going to be ~ 25% cheaper than at Tiffany, not accounting for the larger carat weight and better color. Is it possible to assign a dollar value to the Tiffany setting? It looks far superior to any replica settings I've seen in person. I do like the idea of seeing what I'm purchasing, and taking it home at the point of sale.
My questions:
1) Should I be concerned about the medium blue fluorescence?
2) My GF has a small ring size (4.25), should I be concerned about having Tiffany resize it down from their standard 6?
3) Is the GOG diamond going to be of significantly better make than the Tiffany, based on the information I provided?
4) Should I bother taking it to an independent appraiser?
As much as my girlfriend won't outright admit it, I know she'll be some degree happier with a ring from Tiffany. I also know that she doesn't want to go too much bigger than 1.4ct or 1.5ct. The price is within my budget, though I don't mind spending less money!
I guess I'm trying to rationalize spending the extra money for the Tiffany ring... I appreciate any responses!
Thanks!
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